David Whiteman Guitar
DAVID WHITEMAN GUITARS
For some time now I’ve been playing guitars which have been specially built for me by David Whiteman. The first instrument, which is shown here, was made in 2004 and was a revelation. I’m currently playing a second guitar which was finished in 2007. I play this instrument virtually every day and it never fails to be an inspiration. Both these guitars have a hand carved saddle and nut made by Bill Puplett, who also sets the playing action. I use D’Addario normal tension strings. The 2007 guitar has an internal B Band pickup system fitted by Bill for live performing only – I always play and record acoustically.
A new seven string guitar is currently being made by David and will be ready in 2011. The additional low string will normally be tuned to the note B, and for some areas, A. This will be my first seven string guitar and I’m looking forward to having the extended range for chord voicings. The low register will also be interesting for improvising.
2007 Guitar – Specifications
Top & Bridge
The top (table) is made of European spruce which has been lightly oiled. It has no sealed finish. Internally there are seven fan braces in a traditional Torres pattern. The Brazilian rosewood bridge has bone edging and the guitar has special compensated bone saddle made by Bill Puplett. The rosette has multicoloured dark brown and ochre patterning.
Body
The rounded ‘dropped shoulder ‘ cutaway joins the body at the 16th fret. The body, which is quite wide for a classical guitar, is made of Indian rosewood with a two piece back. The measurements are – lower bout width 383mm ( (15.1″) upper bout width 293mm (11.5″) and the waist is 254mm (10″). The body depth ranges from 85mm (3.35″) at the heel to 90mm (3.54″) and the base. Indian rosewood sides (ribs) and mahogany bindings. French polish finish.
Neck & Headstock
The neck is South American cedar and joins the body at the 14th fret. It has a rounded ‘C’ shape rather than the normal classical ‘D’ shape. The heel is incurved and has been cut close into the body for better access. I can keep my thumb in place for higher notes. French polish finish.
The headstock is made of cedar with a Brazilian rosewood facing and is attached to the neck with a scarf joint. The headstock angle has been slightly increased to add extra string pressure for resonance. Hand made David Rodgers machine heads. Special compensated nut made by Bill Puplett.
Fingerboard
This is made of ebony and is flat with a tiny amount of edge camber. Small dot inlays have been placed on the side at the 5th, 12th and 17th frets. There are 22 frets with an extension going up to a high ‘D’ note. Medium height and width fret wire. The fingerboard is much narrower than a standard classical guitar. It is 46mm (1.8″) at the nut and 56mm (2.2″) at the 12 fret. The overall neck and fingerboard depth is 21mm (.82″) at the nut, and 22 mm (.86″) at the 12th fret. The string scale length is standard – 650mm ( 25.6″).